Luminous Dewy Skin Mask

The base most products are built on. It carries the other ingredients and has no safety concern.

A corn-derived solvent and humectant that has largely replaced propylene glycol in "clean" formulas; CIR reviewed the alkane diol group and found use concentrations up to about 40 percent in leave-on products like deodorant sticks with no meaningful irritation signal.

A humectant that draws water into the skin. One of the best-studied, best-tolerated ingredients in personal care.

A multi-ester emollient derived from pentaerythritol and isostearic acid. It softens and protects skin, with no known safety concerns in cosmetic formulas.

A stable, saturated version of squalene, a lipid the skin already produces, now usually sourced from olives or sugarcane instead of shark liver. It is very well tolerated across skin types and helps reinforce the skin barrier.

A lightweight plant oil pressed from camellia seeds, valued for its conditioning and antioxidant properties in skincare. It is generally well tolerated across skin types, though people with plant seed allergies should patch test first.

A water or bran extract of rice containing ferulic acid, small peptides and starches. It is a traditional East Asian skincare staple with some supporting antioxidant and mild-brightening data, but most of that evidence comes from cell or animal studies rather than large human trials, so the "brightening" claims on finished products go further than the direct evidence.

A seaweed-derived extract used to thicken and hydrate cosmetic formulas. It is well tolerated and has a long history of use in both skincare and food products.

A soothing plant extract traditionally used in skincare, valued for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. Published assessments note it is generally well tolerated in cosmetic formulations, though people with sensitivities to botanicals may want to patch test.

An energizing plant extract used in skincare preparations, known for antioxidant activity in cosmetic applications. Cosmetic safety assessments generally support its use, though like many botanical ingredients it may trigger reactions in very sensitive individuals.

An extract from the root of the baical skullcap plant, used for antioxidant and skin-conditioning effects. It is generally well tolerated at cosmetic concentrations.

A humectant that holds water at the skin surface for a more hydrated look. No safety concern.

A mild plant-derived emulsifier combining polyglycerol and lauric acid. Used in gentle formulas to blend oil and water phases; well tolerated across skin types at cosmetic concentrations.

A glycerin derivative used as a skin conditioner and preservative booster, often paired with phenoxyethanol to allow lower total preservative levels. It has a low irritation and sensitization profile in safety reviews.

A chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working properly. It is not a functional skincare "active" and only a very small amount is used, with minimal skin penetration expected.

An undisclosed scent blend that can contain dozens of components. The single most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy, and the blend is not itemized, so you cannot see what is in it.

A fast-evaporating solvent used to carry actives and give toners a light, "clean" feel; at the concentrations used in classic astringents it can be genuinely drying or irritating with repeated use, especially on dry or compromised skin, though it is not inherently toxic and is a normal, well-studied cosmetic ingredient.

A widely used preservative, safe at the legal limit of 1% or less. Often the "paraben-free" replacement.